Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Biologist Maria Luisa Villareal Sonora has issued an urgent warning about the need for cleanup, maintenance, and sediment removal in the southern area of Bacalar Lagoon, stating that without intervention, irreversible environmental damage could occur.
During the presentation of her books “The Microbialites of Bacalar” and “The Myth That Governs the Lagoon,” Villareal Sonora explained that progressive accumulation of sediments and organic matter is altering water quality and the natural balance of the lagoon system. She warned that this situation, if unaddressed, could impact biodiversity.
The specialist noted that a mistaken perception has stalled sanitation projects, particularly the idea that stromatolites dominate the entire lagoon. She argued this claim has been used to block necessary technical interventions.
Villareal Sonora indicated that focusing discussion solely on protecting these organisms has limited attention to other relevant ecological processes, such as accelerated sedimentation and increased nutrients. These factors could trigger eutrophication processes in the short term.
She emphasized that her publications aim to foster debate based on scientific evidence and field studies, to avoid decisions based solely on ideological positions or polarized discourse.
Villareal Sonora also highlighted the importance of establishing working groups among environmental authorities, the scientific community, civil organizations, and local residents to design restoration strategies. These should include constant monitoring, regulation of discharges, and sediment removal based on technical criteria.
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